Sunday, December 20, 2009

Surviving the Holiday Frenzy

We are smack dab in the middle of the high point of the dangerous party-and-goodie-filled holiday season. I am standing in the middle of the street risking being run over by three Christmas gatherings that are barreling down on me at the speed of light, and I’m still dizzy from the two that have already whizzed by. If I’m going to finish the season in one piece (equal to or slightly smaller than the one piece I am now) then I will need a solid plan.

Step 1: Log intake

Consistently record all points used/all food and drink. This is the third week in a row that I have only logged intake about half the time, and this is not the time to do things halfway. We are in the middle of the toughest time of the year for losing weight, people, this is no time to mess around! Today I logged it all; it’s a good start.

Step 2: Increase Output

Calories burned, silly. Exercise! Today I went to the gym: 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer, 30 minutes on the stationary bike, then stretches and sit-ups. Just have to keep it up. Go again. I like it, why not do it?

Step 3: Organization and Planning Ahead

This is not the time to let myself get hungry without having healthy snacks and meals ready to go. Ten minutes of prep work in the morning can forestall giving in to temptation mid-morning… midday… midafternoon… midwhatever! Plan and prepare snacks and meals throughout the day, do as much ahead of time as possible.

Step 4: Don’t Forget About Sleep

It is so tempting to stay up until all hours this time of year. There is much to do and no one thought to increase our 24 hour days to 27 or 30 to help us get it done in a timely fashion. Do what can be done and then get a decent amount of sleep. Lack of sleep has been known to be used as an excuse to go through a drive-through, at least in Liz-Land. Don’t do it! Get some rest!

Step 5: Probably the Best Step… Focus on the People!

The whole point of these Christmas get-togethers is to see loved ones; to spend time with them, catch up, enjoy their company and show them how much you care. Focus on that and forget about the cheese ball and the peanut brittle. Somebody else will eat it. Enjoy seeing the people!

So that is my 5 Step Plan for Surviving the Holiday Frenzy. What’s yours?

2 comments:

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

Awesome plan! If you do even part of this, you'll come out ahead in this holiday battle.

Me? I'm winging it this year. Eating health meals, but indulging in a few treats. I've had quite a bit of outdoor work that involves heavy lifting, and I'm fitting in long-ish walks or cardio step work every day. I'm counting on the combination to get me through without too much damage. :)

liz at imsheddingthefatsuit said...

cammy, it sounds like you're taking an organic approach. i like it!

liz